Laminated glazing

Abstract

A laminated glazing (200) is disclosed The laminated glazing (200) comprises a first glass substrate (202), a second glass substrate (204), and at least one polymer interlayer (206) disposed between the first glass substrate (202) and the second glass substrate (204). At least a first portion of the polymer interlayer (206) is coated with a first conductive layer (210). Further, the first conductive layer (210) is electrically connected to an electromagnetic component (208).

Description

LAMINATED GLAZING TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to laminated glazing, it particularly relates to laminated glazing with conductive interlayer.BACKGROUND

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed disclosure, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Laminated glazing, commonly used in automotive application, comprises multiple layers of glass or plastic bonded together with a polymer interlayer. Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) has been a traditional choice for the interlayer due to its optical clarity, adhesion properties, and ability to enhance structural integrity by holding broken glass together upon impact.

[0004] With the rapid increase in integration of electronic and electromagnetic systems to the vehicle, the laminated glazing is expected to offer functionalities that are beyond the need of a transparent structure. Some of the features or functionalities that modern laminated glazing offers include heating using heating grid positioned between the layers of glass, displaying media using techniques such as HUD, telecommunication using antennas embedded between the glass substrates, so on and so forth.

[0005] Coming to one specific functionality that is enabling telecommunication using antennas or similar electromagnetic elements that integrated to the glazing, the existing laminated glazing is not adequate to meet the requirements for enabling effective designing of the system. The electromagnetic components of the telecommunication system are electrically operated and hence these components must be grounded so asto improve the life of the components. The existing laminated glazing does not offer any means for grounding the electromagnetic components. Hence, in the existing solutions, the electromagnetic components are grounded by creating an electrical connection between the electromagnetic component to the metallic vehicle frame.

[0006] The drawback of the existing solution is need of lengthy electrical cables that run along the frame of the vehicle to form the electrical connection and multiple connectors to enable the electrical connection. The cables and the connectors increase the cost involved in setting up the telecommunication system in the vehicle further it takes up the space in the already space constricted vehicle cabin.

[0007] In view of the foregoing, it is apparent that there is a need for an improved laminated glazing that addresses the above stated problems of the existing solutions.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0008] In an embodiment, a laminated glazing is disclosed. The laminated glazing comprises a first glass substrate, a second glass substrate, and at least one polymer interlayer disposed between the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate. At least a first portion of the polymer interlayer is coated with a first conductive layer. Further, the conductive layer is electrically connected to an electromagnetic component.

[0009] In an embodiment, a method of manufacturing a laminated glazing is disclosed. At first step, at least the first portion of the polymer interlayer is coated with the first conductive layer. At second step, the coated polymer interlayer is positioned between the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate. Finally, heat and pressure is applied on the surfaces of the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate,

[0010] In one embodiment, a laminated glazing is disclosed. The laminated glazing comprises a first glass substrate, a second glass substrate, and at least one interlayer disposed between the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate. The interlayercomprises electrically conductive material dispersed in a polymer matrix. Further, the interlayer is electrically connected to an electromagnetic component. Further, the conductive material can be applied in various patterns such as grids, alternating lines, and more.

[0011] In an embodiment, a method of manufacturing a laminated glazing is disclosed. At first step, a blend of conductive material dispersed in polymer matrix is prepared. At next step, an interlayer is formed using the blend of conductive material dispersed in polymer matrix. At next step, the interlayer is positioned between the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate. Finally, heat and pressure is applied on the surfaces of the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The following briefly describes the accompanying drawings, illustrating the technical solution of the embodiments of the present invention, for assisting the understanding of a person skilled in the art to comprehend the invention. It would be apparent that the accompanying drawings in the following description merely show some embodiments of the present invention, and persons skilled in the art can derive other drawings from the accompanying drawings without deviating from the scope of the disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional laminated glazing 100, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0014] FIG. 2A illustrates a laminated glazing 200, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 2B illustrates a laminated glazing 200A, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a laminated glazing 300, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a laminated glazing 400, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a flowchart 500 illustrating a method of manufacturing the laminated glazing, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates a laminated glazing 600, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates a laminated glazing 700, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates a laminated glazing 800, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0022] FIG. 9 illustrates a laminated glazing 900, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0023] FIG. 10 illustrates a laminated glazing 1000, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0024] FIG. 11 illustrates a laminated glazing 1100, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0025] FIG. 12 is a flowchart 1200 illustrating a method of manufacturing the laminated glazing, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0026] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the detailed description. The drawings show illustrations in accordance with example embodiments. These example embodiments are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present subject matter. However, it may be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well- known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments. The embodiments can becombined, other embodiments can be utilized, or structural and logical changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0028] In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one. In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a non-exclusive “or”, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B”, “B but not A”, and “A and B”, unless otherwise indicated.

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional laminated glazing 100, in accordance with an embodiment. The laminated glazing 100 comprises a first glass substrate 102, a second glass substrate 104, a polymer interlayer 106 disposed between the first glass substrate 102 and the second glass substrate 104. An electromagnetic component 108 is affixed to the glazing and is grounded by electrically connecting the electromagnetic component with a vehicle frame 110 using an electric cable / connector 112. The cable / connector 112 may run along the periphery of the glazing and one end of the cable / connector 112 is connected to the electromagnetic component and the other end is connected to the vehicle frame 110.

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a laminated glazing 200, in accordance with an embodiment. The laminated glazing 200 comprises a first glass substrate 202, a second glass substrate 204, at least one polymer interlayer 206 disposed between the first glass substrate 202 and the second glass substrate 204. A first portion of the polymer interlayer 206 is coated with a first conductive layer 210. An electromagnetic component 208 such as but not limited to an antenna, is electrically connected to the first conductive layer 210 formed on the polymer interlayer 206.

[0031] The first conductive layer 210 on the polymer interlayer 206 acts as a ground for the electromagnetic component 208.

[0032] In an embodiment, the electromagnetic component 208 may be an antenna, a transceiver, a radar unit, or any other components that are electrically operated.

[0033] In an embodiment, the electromagnetic component 208 may be disposed on an external surface of one of the glass substrates. In such embodiment, a cut-out may be defined on the glass substrate over which the electromagnetic component is disposed. Further, the electrical connection between the electromagnetic component 208 and the first conductive layer 210 may be achieved by having a connector 212 passing through the cut-out defined on the glass substrate.

[0034] FIG. 2B illustrates a laminated glazing 200A, in accordance with an embodiment. The electromagnetic component 208 may be disposed between the first glass substrate 202 and the second glass substrate 204.

[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates a laminated glazing 300, in accordance with an embodiment. The polymer interlayer 206 has multiple conductive layers (210, 304) coated on its surface. The electromagnetic components (208, 302) are electrically connected to each of the conductive layers (210, 304) disposed on the polymer interlayer 206 via connectors (212, 306).

[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates a laminated glazing 400, in accordance with an embodiment. The laminated glazing 400 has a polymer interlayer 206, wherein the first region of the polymer interlayer 206 is coated with a first conductive layer 210 and a second region of the polymer interlayer 206 is coated with a second conductive layer 402. The second conductive layer 402 is configured to perform as an electromagnetic component. As an example, the second conductive layer 402 may act as an antenna and the first conductive layer 210 may act as a ground for the antenna.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing the laminated glazing 200, in accordance with an embodiment. At step 502, a surface of the polymer interlayer 206 that is to be coated with a conductive material is treated using ozone. The treatment of the surface of the polymer interlayer 206 with ozone improves the hydrophilicity of the polymer interlayer 206.

[0038] At step 504, the surface of the polymer interlayer 206 that is to be coated with the conductive material is functionalized. The functionalization of the surface of thepolymer interlayer 206 promotes the surface to be more receptive to the conductive material.

[0039] In an embodiment, the functionalization of the surface is performed by coating the surface with Fluro based Optically Clear Adhesives (OCA).

[0040] At step 506, the functionalized surface of the polymer interlayer 206 is coated with a conductive coating material. The coating process may be performed using one of the techniques of spray coating, sputter coating or thermal evaporative coating.

[0041] The conductive material that is coated may be nanoparticles of conductive materials such as copper, silver, gold, or the like.

[0042] In an embodiment, nanocomposites with conductive material may be cast on the surface of the polymer interlayer 206.

[0043] In an embodiment, the flash point after curing is greater than 200 degrees Celsius.

[0044] At step 508, the coated polymer interlayer is positioned between the first glass substrate 202 and the second glass substrate 202.

[0045] At step 510, heat and pressure is applied on the surfaces of the first glass substrate 202 and the second glass surface 202. The heat and the pressure bonds the first glass substrate 202, the polymer interlayer 206, and the second glass substrate 204 together.

[0046] FIG. 6 illustrates a laminated glazing 600, in accordance with an embodiment. The laminated glazing 600 comprises a first glass substrate 602, a second glass substrate 604, and at least one interlayer 606 disposed between the first glass substrate 602 and the second glass substrate 604. The interlayer 606 comprises electrically conductive material dispersed in a polymer matrix. Further, the interlayer 606 is electrically connected to an electromagnetic component 608 via a connector 610.

[0047] In an embodiment, the electromagnetic component 608 may be an antenna, a transceiver, a radar unit, or any other components that are electrically operated.

[0048] In an embodiment, the electromagnetic component 608 may be disposed on an external surface of one of the glass substrates (602, 604). In such embodiment, a cutout may be defined on the glass substrate over which the electromagnetic component 608 is disposed. Further, the electrical connection between the electromagnetic component 608 and the interlayer 606 may be achieved by having a connector 610 passing through the cut-out defined on the glass substrate.

[0049] In an embodiment, the electrically conductive material may be nanoparticles of metals such as silver, aluminium, copper, or gold.

[0050] In an embodiment, the concentration of the electrically conductive material in the interlayer 606 is in the range of 0.1 - 20 %.

[0051] In an embodiment, the sheet resistance of the interlayer is in the range of 0 - 50 ohm / square.

[0052] FIG. 7 illustrates a laminated glazing 700, in accordance with an embodiment. The laminated glazing 700 comprises multiple electromagnetic components (702, 608) that are affixed to the glass substrates (602, 604). Each of the electromagnetic components (702, 608) are electrically connected to the interlayer 606, wherein the interlayer 606 acts as a ground for the electromagnetic components (702, 608).

[0053] FIG. 8 illustrates a laminated glazing 800, in accordance with an embodiment. The laminated glazing comprises multiple interlayers (802, 804, 806) stacked one over the over and disposed between the first glass substrate 602 and the second glass substrate 604. Each of the interlayers (802, 804, 806) has a concentration of electrically conductive particles that is different from other interlayers.

[0054] FIG. 9 illustrates a laminated glazing 900, in accordance with an embodiment. The laminated glazing 900 comprises the first glass substrate 602, the second glass substrate 604, a non-conductive interlayer 902, and interlayers with conductive material (606a, 606b). The non-conductive interlayer 902 and the interlayers withconductive material (606a, 606b) may be disposed in the same plane and between the first glass substrate 602 and the second glass substrate 604.

[0055] FIG. 10 illustrates a laminated glazing 1000, in accordance with an embodiment. The laminated glazing 1000 comprises the first glass substrate 602, the second glass substrate 604, the electrical component 608 disposed below the first glass substrate 602, a non-conductive interlayer 902 disposed below the electrical component 608, and the interlayer with conductive material 606 disposed below the non- conductive interlayer 902. The non-conductive interlayer 902 between the electromagnetic component 608 and the interlayer with conductive material 606 acts as a dielectric separation.

[0056] FIG. 11 illustrates a laminated glazing 1100, in accordance with an embodiment. The glazing 1100 comprises the first glass substrate 602, the second glass substrate 604, the interlayer 606 disposed between the glass substrates, and the electromagnetic component 608 disposed over the interlayer. The surface of the interlayer is coated with a conductive layer 1102 and the electromagnetic component 608 is electrically connected to the conductive layer 1102.

[0057] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of method of manufacturing a laminated glazing 600, in accordance with an embodiment. At step 1202, a blend of conductive material dispersed in a polymer matrix is prepared. The blend is made by adding conductive material, a polymer material, a binder, a solvent, and a plasticizer. Further, the conductive material, the polymer material, the binder, the solvent, and the plasticize are mixed together to form the blend.

[0058] In an embodiment, the conductive material may be nano particles of metals such as silver, gold, copper, aluminium, graphene, carbon, carbon nanotubes or the like. Further, the conductive material may be conductive polymers, conductive oxides or a combination thereof. Further, the conductive material can be applied in various patterns such as grids, alternating lines, and more.

[0059] In an embodiment, the conductive material may be nanowires of metals, graphene, or carbon nanotubes.

[0060] At step 1204, the interlayer 606 is formed using the blend of conductive material dispersed in a polymer matrix.

[0061] In an embodiment, the interlayer 606 is formed by extrusion, wherein the blend is passed through an extruder which extrudes the interlayer 606 in the desired dimensions.

[0062] In an embodiment, the interlayer 606 is formed by spin coating, wherein the blend of conductive material dispersed in polymer matrix is dispersed over the glass substrate and the glass substrate is spun such that the blend uniformly gets distributed over the surface of the glass substrate.

[0063] At step 1206, the formed interlayer 606 is positioned between the first glass substrate 602 and the second glass substrate 604.

[0064] At step 1208, heat and pressure is applied on the surfaces of the first glass substrate 602 and the second glass surface 604. The heat and the pressure bonds the first glass substrate 602, the interlayer 606, and the second glass substrate 604 together.ADVANTAGES

[0065] The laminated glazing as disclosed enables in providing electrical grounding for electromagnetic components within the glazing and eliminates the need for an external grounding such as vehicle frame.

[0066] The laminated glazing as disclosed negates the requirement of additional electrical cables and connectors required for grounding the electromagnetic components. This minimizes the cost involved and also avoids taking up space in the vehicle cabin for grounding the electromagnetic components.

[0067] The polymer interlayer with conductive capability may be used to server applications such as controlled conduction for PDLC, EC, display powering, charging carrying (battery) or as a heating element. Further, a combination of two functions, likethe possibility of using one region of high conductivity for antenna performance and other region for heating or active layer in PDLC / EC may be realized using the disclosed laminated glazing.

[0068] Although embodiments have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the system and method described herein. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[0069] Many alterations and modifications of the present invention will no doubt become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art after having read the foregoing description. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. It is to be understood that the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the personally preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.List of reference numerals200, 300, 400, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100 - Laminated glazing202, 602 - First glass substrate204, 604 - Second glass substrate 206 - Polymer interlayer208, 302, 608, 702 - Electromagnetic component210 - First conductive coating212, 610, 704 - Connector402 - Second conductive coating 802, 804, 806 - Interlayers902 - Non-conductive interlayer

Claims

CLAIMS1. A laminated glazing (200), wherein the laminated glazing (200) comprises: a first glass substrate (202); a second glass substrate (204); and at least one polymer interlayer (206) disposed between the first glass substrate (202) and the second glass substrate (204), wherein: at least a first portion of the polymer interlayer (206) is coated with a first conductive layer (210); and the first conductive layer (210) is electrically connected to an electromagnetic component (208).

2. The laminated glazing (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic component (208) connected to the first conductive layer (210) to ground the electromagnetic component (208).

3. The laminated glazing (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic component (208) is disposed on an external surface of the first glass substrate (202) or the second glass substrate (204).

4. The laminated glazing (200) as claimed in claim 3, wherein: a cut-out is defined on the glass substrate over which the electromagnetic component (208) is disposed; and the electromagnetic component (208) is electrically connected to the conductive coating via the cut-out defined on the glass substrate.

5. The laminated glazing (400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a second portion of the polymer interlayer (206) is coated with a second conductive layer (402), and the second conductive layer (402) is configured to perform as electromagnetic component.

6. The laminated glazing (200 A) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic component (208) is disposed between the first glass substrate (202) and the second glass substrate (204).

7. A method of manufacturing the laminated glazing (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method comprises the steps: coating at least the first portion of the polymer interlayer (206) with the first conductive layer (210); positioning the coated polymer interlayer (206) between the first glass substrate (202) and the second glass substrate (204); and applying heat and pressure on the surfaces of the first glass substrate (202) and the second glass substrate (204).

8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein coating the first portion of the polymer interlayer (206) comprises: treating the surface of the polymer interlayer (206) with ozone; functionalising the surface of the polymer interlayer (206) using a functionalizing agent to make the polymer interlayer receptive to coating; and coating a conductive coating material over the functionalized surface of the polymer interlayer (206).

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the coating of conductive material is performed using one of the techniques of spray coating, sputter coating or thermal evaporative coating.

10. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the method further comprises: coating a second region of the polymer interlayer (206) with a second conductive layer (402).

11. A laminated glazing (600), wherein the laminated glazing (600) comprises: a first glass substrate (602); a second glass substrate (604); and at least one interlayer (606) disposed between the first glass substrate (602) and the second glass substrate (604), wherein: the interlayer (606) comprises electrically conductive material dispersed in a polymer matrix; and the interlayer (606) is electrically connected to an electromagnetic component (608).

12. The laminated glazing (600) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the electromagnetic component (608) is electrically connected to the interlayer (606) to ground the electromagnetic component (608).

13. The laminated glazing (600) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the electrically conductive material is nanoparticles of metals such as silver, aluminium, copper, or gold.

14. The laminated glazing (600) as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the concentration of the conductive material in the interlayer (606) is in the range of 0.1 - 20 %.

15. The laminated glazing (600) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the sheet resistance of the interlayer is in the range of 0 - 50 ohm / square.

16. The laminated glazing (600) as claimed in claim 11, wherein: a cut-out is defined on the glass substrate over which the electromagnetic component (608) is disposed; andthe electromagnetic component (608) is electrically connected to the interlayer (606) via the cut-out defined on the glass substrate.

17. The laminated glazing (800) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the glazing (800) comprises multiple interlayers (802, 804, 806) disposed between the glass substrates (602, 604) and each of the interlayer has a concentration of electrically conductive particles that is different from other interlayers.

18. The laminated glazing (1100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein a conductive layer (1102) is coated on a surface of the interlayer (606) and the electromagnetic component (608) is electrically connected to the conductive layer (1102).

19. A method of manufacturing the laminated glazing (600) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the method comprises: preparing a blend of conductive material dispersed in polymer matrix; forming an interlayer (606) using the blend of conductive material dispersed in polymer matrix; positioning the interlayer (606) between the first glass substrate (602) and the second glass substrate (604); and applying heat and pressure on the surfaces of the first glass substrate (602) and the second glass substrate (604).

20. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein preparing the blend of conductive material dispersed in polymer matrix comprises the steps of: adding conductive material, a polymer material, a binder, a solvent, and a plasticizer; and mixing the conductive material, the polymer material, the binder, the solvent, and the plasticizer.

21. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the interlayer (606) is formed by extruding the blend of conductive material dispersed in polymer matrix.

22. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the interlayer (606) is formed by spin coating the blend of conductive material dispersed in polymer matrix over the glass substrate.

Images